title: Sub-diffraction nano manipulation using STED AFM.
abstract: In the last two decades, nano manipulation has been recognized as a potential tool of scientific interest especially in nanotechnology and nano-robotics. Contemporary optical microscopy (super resolution) techniques have also reached the nanometer scale resolution to visualize this and hence a combination of super resolution aided nano manipulation ineluctably gives a new perspective to the scenario. Here we demonstrate how specificity and rapid determination of structures provided by stimulated emission depletion (STED) microscope can aid another microscopic tool with capability of mechanical manoeuvring, like an atomic force microscope (AFM) to get topological information or to target nano scaled materials. We also give proof of principle on how high-resolution real time visualization can improve nano manipulation capability within a dense sample, and how STED-AFM is an optimal combination for this job. With these evidences, this article points to future precise nano dissections and maybe even to a nano-snooker game with an AFM tip and fluorospheres.
authors.affiliation: Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genova, Italy ; Department of Physics, University of Genova, Genova, Italy.
authors.forename: Jenu Varghese
authors.initials: JV
authors.lastname: Chacko
authors.forename: Claudio
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Canale
authors.forename: Benjamin
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Harke
authors.forename: Alberto
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Diaspro
mesh_terms: D018625:Microscopy, Atomic Force / Q000379:methods*; D036103:Nanotechnology; D012371:Robotics